PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Individualize dosage based on severity and response rather than on formulae that correct adult doses for age or weight. Carefully observe growth and development in infants and children on prolonged therapy.

ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Reduce dose, based on condition and response, but give no less than 25 mg/day.

Retention enema (hydrocortisone): 100 mg nightly for 21 days.

Intrarectal foam (hydrocortisone acetate)

1 applicator daily or bid for 2 wk and every second day thereafter.

Intra-articular, intralesional (hydrocortisone acetate)

5–25 mg, depending on joint or soft-tissue injection site.

Topical dermatologic preparations

Apply sparingly to affected area bid–qid.

Therapeutic actions

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Its anti-inflammatory action is due to the suppression of migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversal of increased capillary permeability. It may also be used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical insufficiency.